When Might and Meekness Collide: Understanding Biblical Contradictions
In this article, you will learn how Judges 6:12 contradicts 1 Samuel 16:7, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, 1 Corinthians 1:27, Jeremiah 9:23-24 and Matthew 5:5. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The Bible is a rich tapestry of stories and teachings that sometimes seem to present conflicting messages about strength and character. In the story of Gideon, captured in Judges 6:12, God sends an angel to declare Gideon a "mighty man of valour." It’s a powerful moment that celebrates Gideon’s strength and bravery, even when he felt inadequate. However, various other biblical passages invite us to ponder if might alone is what God values.
Consider 1 Samuel 16:7, which stresses that God doesn’t look at outward appearances. God’s evaluation transcends human perceptions of valor. This suggests that Gideon's might isn’t necessarily what made him special. It challenges the idea that valor, as humans define it, is of utmost importance.
Moving to 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, here Paul's experience teaches us that God's power is made perfect in weakness. This verse challenges the notion that God’s work requires a strong or mighty warrior, as God can use even those considered weak to achieve His purposes. Similarly, 1 Corinthians 1:27 states that God has chosen the “foolish” and “weak” things of the world to confound the mighty, highlighting that Gideon’s might may not have been his most important attribute.
Jeremiah 9:23-24 further advises against boasting in might, wisdom, or riches, suggesting that God values different qualities than what we might assume. Finally, Matthew 5:5 promises that the meek shall inherit the earth, presenting a path to greatness through humility rather than strength.
These passages remind us that God's criteria for choosing His servants often defy worldly logic. They encourage us to look beyond traditional notions of strength, embracing the humble and weak as conduits for divine purposes. Do these contradictions challenge our understanding of what it means to be strong? Are we valuing the right qualities in ourselves and others when we overlook the meek for the mighty?
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Judges 6:12 | And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD [is] with thee, thou mighty man of valour. |
| 2. | 1 Samuel 16:7 | But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. [outward...: Heb. eyes] |
| 3. | 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 | And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. |
| 4. | 1 Corinthians 1:27 | But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; |
| 5. | Jeremiah 9:23-24 | Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise [man] glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty [man] glory in his might, let not the rich [man] glory in his riches: |
| 6. | Matthew 5:5 | Blessed [are] the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. |